The final cut
Dazzling by design
A rare spinel, colorful cufflinks, and a two-time tourmaline entry were among the highlights of the AGTA Spectrum Awards.
By Jennifer Heebner
A remarkable loose gem that won Best in Show was just one of the surprises at the 2019 American Gem Trade Association’s (AGTA) Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards.
While there were about 75 fewer entries this year than last, according to AGTA CEO Douglas K. Hucker — who suggests that might have been due to “the timing of entry deadlines, which are close to the Las Vegas shows” — the increase in quality was noticeable.
Other changes were equally evident. There were fewer pearl pieces and matte finishes, some smaller pieces to attract younger buyers, and lots of blue gems such as aquamarine, Paraiba tourmaline melee, and blue zircon. There were also a good number of first-time entrants and winners, many of them retailers. Meanwhile, the bridal category experienced an uptick in submissions, as did the Cutting Edge division
for loose gems.
“The quality was elevated, which was certainly the case in classic gemstones, and [it was notable that] the Best of Show was a spinel,” adds Hucker. “And the large number of retailer entrants might be a reflection of growing custom departments and [of] merchants turning to design to build their businesses.”
Here are the award winners for each category.
Article from the Rapaport Magazine - October 2019. To subscribe click here.
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